Nelson Mandela’s family is on a mission to finalise a long term plan to open his grave-site to the public. This was confirmed by his granddaughter, Ndileka Mandela.
She said that even though they are still not sure about the date, as from next year, people will be able to visit the grave.
She said this at the ninth commemoration of Mandela’s passing that was held at Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha last week.
According to her, it was Mandela’s wish to be buried in Qunu so that people would be able to see his final resting place. “Since it will be 10 years since his passing next year, we will open this opportunity so that those who want to see his grave will be able to do that,” said Ndileka.
She said that if they kept access to his grave private, they would be denying him what he wanted for himself and for the people of the Eastern Cape.
Commemoration hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum
This ninth commemoration was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum, in partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, through a Peace Walk from Ultra City to the Nelson Mandela Museum.
This walk was followed by a candlelight ceremony and intercession prayer (imvuselelo).
The chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Museum, Dr Vuyani Booi, urged people of Mthatha, the Eastern Cape, and foreign nationals that are residing in South Africa, to rethink Mandela’s values and philosophy of reconciliation and to rekindle his memory.
“Let us be counted among a generation that have stood up against social injustice in particular that rooted out gender-based violence and femicide, injustices and looting of state resources,” said Booi.
He said that they need to ensure that children and parents are taught about the importance of showing respect for each other. Booi said parents should not abuse their children, and children must also not abuse their elders.
“Parents must stop fighting with each other in front of children because they (children) grow up thinking that it’s the right thing to do.
“We are saying in the name of Nelson Mandela that this behaviour of abusing other people must stop. He was respectful so let us have peace in our homes.”
MEC for Sport, Recreation Art and Culture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said if they had not been led by Mandela they would not be where they are today.
She urged church ministers to ensure that they also pray and support them as they are working hard for this country.
“Our aim is to remember what Mandela has done for us and to know that we did not get this freedom easily. There were a lot of challenges and some of the people lost their lives while fighting for it,” said Kontsiwe.
She added that even though there were some challenges, Mandela showed leadership. Kontsiwe stated that if people could have the mindset that Mandela had, everything could be perfect.
